The Permissibility of Disciplining an Orphan Who Misbehaves by the One Responsible for His Care

Question:
Our brother says: I am residing in the house of my deceased brother, who has children, and I am their provider. In some cases, I get angry with them and scold them without realizing it, and moments later I regret what came out of me. Is there any sin on me for that? Knowing that they do not get angry with me and do not hold a grudge.

Answer:
There is no blame on you, praise be to Allah. The obligatory thing is to take care of their upbringing and Islamic education, guiding them to good, commanding them to obey Allah and His Messenger, and forbidding them from what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden. There is no harm in disciplining orphans if they misbehave until they grow up to be righteous young men. So you strive in their upbringing with Islamic, Sharia-based education through words and actions. What some people think, that an orphan is not to be disciplined, is a mistake. An orphan is to be struck and disciplined if he misbehaves until he straightens out through appropriate discipline that does not harm, not being severe, in words and actions. However, it must be considered that the physical discipline is not dangerous and not severe. There is no harm in your getting angry with them sometimes if they misbehave, or in scolding them; all of this, you will be rewarded for it. And if it was unintentional and merely incidental, then Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, forgives us, and you, and every Muslim. Yes. May Allah grant you success. May Allah reward you with good.